Gatesville Closes Historic 1904 Leon River Bridge, Pedestrian Access Halted
Gatesville city officials closed the historic 1904 Leon River Bridge to all public access on December 6, 2025, citing safety concerns as engineers begin structural inspections and cost estimates. The closure removes a longtime recreational and historical asset from walkers, anglers, and history minded residents while city leaders weigh repair funding and preservation options.
On December 6, 2025 Gatesville city officials moved to close the 1904 Leon River Bridge completely to the public, ending years of limited access amid new safety concerns. The steel truss bridge, which has been closed to vehicular traffic since 2015, will no longer allow pedestrian passage while engineers perform a detailed structural review and produce repair cost estimates.
City manager Brad Hunt described the closure as temporary and said the city will explore repair options. Officials identified two possible funding pathways under consideration. Repair work could be proposed for inclusion in next year’s capital plan, or the project could be incorporated into a parks master plan that would seek funding alongside broader recreational improvements. Engineers will complete structural reviews to determine the scope of work and the budget required before the council considers specific proposals.
Local preservation advocates with the group Save the 1904 Leon River Bridge urged officials to pursue preservation and repairs rather than demolition or permanent closure. The bridge serves as a local landmark and a gather point for walkers, anglers, and residents who value Gatesville history. Its loss to public use would affect daily recreation and the town’s cultural landscape.
The decision raises practical and policy questions for municipal leaders about prioritizing limited capital resources, coordinating with parks planning, and establishing a timeline for public notice and input. Repair cost estimates will shape the council’s options, from modest stabilization work to more extensive rehabilitation that could require multi year funding or outside grants. For residents, the immediate questions are how long the bridge will remain closed, what the projected costs will be, and how the city will balance safety, preservation, and budget constraints.
Engineers are expected to complete their structural assessments before the city presents firm cost figures or a schedule for repairs. In the interim Gatesville officials ask the public to respect the closure for safety reasons while the municipality evaluates feasible steps to restore public access.
